Shigeru Miyamoto interview

Nintendo legend on Wii name, rivals, violence and getting into game design

A full transcript of an interview between Play Asia and legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto has been posted on the web. Among other topics, Miyamoto spoke about the name ‘Wii’, saying, "We debated how the Wii might be thought of in the English speaking countries. And we came to a conclusion that there is no other choice but to use this short, appealing name."

Other issues tackled include violence in games: "My personal thought is, and I think it is the same with Nintendo, that before thinking about how to handle violence in video games, I think it is important to think about pain people feel. For example, you would not laugh at people with disabilities. There are bullying problems in Japan. Looking at the overall picture, it is important to understand and feel the pain that people might have. We make our games based on that philosophy, using means other than violence. But we also have to take a careful approach, even in the circumstances when we are not portraying direct violence. I think it is always important to give children a product with a careful approach."

On a lighter note Miyamoto discussed his closest rivals Microsoft and Sony: "I do think we are too conscious of competition. There are many companies today that can be compared to Nintendo. But I think that Nintendo should be unique and become a company that can not be compared with the other corporations. I believe that Nintendo will loved by the public if it can maintain that philosophy.

"For instance, we are currently making products such as the Nintendo DS and Wii. I don’t think there is a company equivalent that has the know-how or skills with the technology behind the games, or has the history and experience in the entertainment industry, and or has such abundant and motivated staff. I believe that with our people, we are able to make games that can be accepted by the public for a long time. And as long as we maintain that edge, we will always have an advantage over other companies."

Check out the interview transcript here.